Inspired by “Lord of the Clouds,” a poem from Qu Yuan’s Nine Songs, this hairpin reimagines the cloud deity not as a literal figure but as a personal ornament shaped by the poem’s imagery of drifting, ever changing clouds. The carved cloud pattern draws from the cursive brushwork of Huai Su’s calligraphy, borrowing the flowing, weightless quality of his rendering of the character for “cloud.”

The body of the hairpin is crafted from black sandalwood or ebony and sourced from Africa. A white copper pin is inlaid at the center for added strength. The prong is made from natural ram horn, and the piece measures approximately 20 cm in length, with a tolerance of about 5 mm. Every hairpin is hand carved, so slight variations in shape and visible tool marks are part of each piece rather than a flaw. Please keep this in mind before purchasing.

Please note that natural ram horn is rarely a perfectly uniform white. What is described as white horn refers to horn in relatively pale, clear tones, which typically appears slightly yellow and semi translucent rather than solid white. Some pieces may show faint reddish tinting or small natural fissures, and these cannot be entirely avoided. As with many traditional Chinese hair accessories made from natural materials, the horn’s coloring and texture will vary slightly from piece to piece. To care for the horn, keep it away from prolonged water exposure, direct sunlight, and impact, and wipe it periodically with a small amount of lotion to keep it nourished. Without regular care, additional fine cracks may develop over time. This is a natural characteristic of horn material, which is fibrous and grows in vertical layers similar to human nails, and not a sign of poor quality. We select sections of horn with fewer visible cracks whenever possible, but some cracking may still occur as internal moisture evaporates naturally. This does not affect the strength or usability of the piece, only its surface appearance. For long term storage, keep the hairpin in a sealed bag, and avoid extreme dryness or heat.

A few practical notes that apply to Chinese traditional hair accessories in general. A wooden hairpin is, at its core, a wooden stick, and no amount of sturdiness changes the fact that excessive force can cause it to snap. The most durable designs tend to be the simplest and straightest, closer in shape to a chopstick. A higher price does not necessarily mean a sturdier piece. It usually reflects finer material and more detailed craftsmanship, and finer materials often require gentler handling and more careful maintenance. As is true of most traditional Chinese hair accessories, the decorative head of a hairpin is typically the most intricately carved and structurally delicate part, so it should never be used as a lever to pry against hair, as this concentrated pressure can easily cause damage.